There is a "moral imperative" for all young children to receive LGBT education, Birmingham City Council has said in a statement.

The statement, signed by every member of the cabinet including council leader Ian Ward, says that the party will "robustly defend the principles of equality and tolerance in our schools".

And, addressing the recent controversy around the No Outsiders programme being taught at Parkfield Community School, it added: "Claims that these programmes present a threat to the innocence of children are unfounded and misinformed.

"This opposition to combating homophobia only strengthens arguments that programmes like these, designed to promote mutual respect and tolerance for all, are needed."

Parents, children and protesters demonstrate against No Outsiders at Parkfield Community School on March 21
Parents, children and protesters demonstrate against No Outsiders at Parkfield Community School in March

The No Outsiders programme teaches according to the Equality Act, something which the letter from the cabinet stresses "is a legal requirement," to be taught in schools.

Through the programme, pupils are taught about the positive values of diversity, tolerance and acceptance, in a broad curriculum encompassing LGBT rights, same-sex relationships, gender identity, race, religion and colour.

There was controversy around the scheme earlier this year when several parents from Parkfield Community School held daily protests outside the school, with some pulling their children out of classes.

Coun Ian Ward

As a result of the disruption and negative effect on the youngsters, the school decided to suspend its No Outsiders programme until an agreement could be reached with concerned parents.

The letter calls for a "mandatory education programme to inform every Labour MP and councillor in Birmingham of the issues affecting LGBT+ people and how best to act as allies".

"There are LGBT+ people in every culture, community, race and faith," it continues.

"It is our duty to ensure all children are protected, and we achieve this by instilling an ethos of acceptance through education.

"Echoing disgraceful Thatcherite language around the 'promotion of homsexuality' recalls a recent, painful memory of discrimination against LGBT+ people, which harmed many children.

"We will not allow the prejudices of the past to re-emerge in any part of our city, and will robustly defend the principles of equality and tolerance in our schools."